Sarawak in negotiations to build undersea power cable connection with Singapore

Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak can play a crucial role in advancing regional energy transition by sharing its hydropower resources with neighboring states and countries. He emphasized that interconnections are important for realizing the Asean power grid. He believes Sarawak can become the battery of Asean and help link power grids across the region. These interconnections are seen as vital for South-East Asia to achieve its regional net zero and energy transition targets. The Premier welcomed the Federal Government’s move to lift the ban on cross-border trade in renewable energy in May, as it encourages cross-border electricity trade for the region.

Abang Johari mentioned that the first interconnection with west Kalimantan, Indonesia, in 2016 was the beginning of the Borneo power grid. Building on this strong relationship with their Indonesian neighbors, Sarawak Energy is progressing the Mentarang Induk hydroelectric project in north Kalimantan through a joint venture. Sarawak has also signed power exchange and interconnection agreements with Sabah and is working on a power exchange agreement with Brunei for electricity export. Sarawak Energy has completed technical studies with partners Sembcorp Industries and Singapore Power Group and is in advanced commercial negotiations for an interconnection with Singapore through undersea power cables.

At a recent energy transition conference in Kuala Lumpur, the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, acknowledged the progress of Malaysian utility companies, including Sarawak Energy, in the cross-border business using the Asean power grid. Abang Johari expressed gratitude for the support of the Federal Government for Sarawak Energy’s role in this venture. He emphasized the importance of interconnections and intraregional partnerships in meeting the rising energy demand in South-East Asia while also meeting sustainability requirements. Sarawak is interested in collaborating with like-minded countries, organizations, or entities committed to a sustainable energy future for the region and the world.

Sarawak Energy’s two-day Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF) focuses on collaborations between business, government, and civil society in charting energy transition towards sustainability and net zero emissions in South-East Asia.